Thanksgiving is a celebrated American tradition, tracing back to 1621 when the English Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock aboard the Mayflower. Fleeing religious persecution in England, they hoped for a prosperous start in the New World. However, harsh winters and unfamiliarity with the land led to struggle and despair. Their fortunes changed with the help of the Wampanoag tribe, the indigenous people already inhabiting the land. They taught the Pilgrims effective farming methods and shared their knowledge of local crops, leading to a successful harvest the following year. This led to the First Thanksgiving, a three-day feast between the Pilgrims and Wampanoag tribe, celebrating unity and shared prosperity. Although the menu looked different from today's Thanksgiving - no turkey or pumpkin pies - the essence of gratitude and sharing remained. It was not until 1863, amid the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November. Today, Thanksgiving signifies not just a bountiful feast but also a day to express gratitude, watch football and parades, and spend time with loved ones.